It’s the most wonderful time of the year—the time you can spend freely with only a shred of guilt nibbling away at your conscience and your wallet. It’s fine, it’s for a friend, you tell yourself. (And that friend is you because you are your own best friend and you deserve the world.) It’s fine, money can be earned back.
We rounded up the merry market happening in December in the lead-up to Christmas; all 14 of them. And if you find yourself with a longer list of gifts than planned—it’s fine, we won’t tell.
Tanjong Pagar Christmas Festive Market (Dec 1)
Conveniently located at the newly erected Tanjong Pagar Centre (now Singapore’s tallest building) is this atrium market decked with artisanal goods, bespoke gifts and other one-off festive products to get for your gift exchanges.
Where: Tanjong Pagar Centre B2
Christmas Farmers Market at Loewen Gardens (Dec 2)
That’s right, even the trusty monthly market at Loewen Gardens has undergone a Christmas makeover. The December edition will include vendors selling fresh meats, organic vegetables, baked goods, cheese, bread and wine, as well as gift ideas like natural skincare products.
Where: 75E Loewen Road
Inspiration Market (Dec 2)
DesignSingapore is taking the season of giving very seriously, and bringing retail therapy with a side of goodwill to the National Design Centre. Creatives and makers selected for their work ethic and brand philosophies will be setting up shop to sell handmade accessories, notebooks and jewelry. Also part of the market is a runway show with inclusivity at its center—featuring models with chronic illnesses or special needs wearing pieces designed locally and sewn by the elderly, needy and underprivileged.
Where: National Design Centre
Free Folk Christmas Market (Through Dec 3)
While shopping at Millenia Walk, be sure to take a stroll down the Level 1 Great Hall and check out the many odds and ends—from bespoke carved stamps to handcrafted jewellery—you can find at a festive market run by the people at Free Folk.
Where: Millenia Walk
11th Kranji Countryside Farmers’ Market (Dec 2-3)
50 stalls of local farm fresh produce, artisanal farm-to-table food and gifts will come together at the Kranji farmers market, held in conjunction with the Singapore Farm Festival. It’s not Christmas-themed, but local gourmet food and products always make nice gifts.
Where: D’Kranji Farm Resort
Quayside Christmas Festival 2017 (Dec 3)
Singapore’s hot new riverfront dining enclave The Quayside is getting a headstart to the festive season with their first ever Christmas bonanza. Look forward to an eclectic mix of market stalls selling everything from boutique artisanal chocolates to Italian olive oils and traditional mince pies. If you’ve got time after, stay for the food and tipples from Summerlong, Super Loco and Publico, and music by headliners The Steve McQueens.
Where: The Quayside, 1 Nanson Road
Red Cross Thrift Sale (Dec 3)
Nothing like supporting humanitarian efforts to get you in the holiday mood. The Singapore Red Cross’ year-end sale will feature new and pre-loved apparel, accessories, bags, books and household items at bargain prices, and all sales proceeds go towards local humanitarian services. It’s a great cause at low costs.
Where: 15 Penang Lane
The First Sustainable Christmas Market (Dec 9)
Do your Christmas shopping with peace of mind at this market that’s all about advocating sustainability. 23 local start-ups form the exclusive vendors on-site, selling ethical products, produce and crafts. In particular, look out for artisanal tea brand ETTE Tea, and Craft Beverage Supply, which brings in authentically sourced, carbon-neutral beers.
Where: Mercure Singapore on Stevens
3rd Annual Christmas Market (Dec 9)
The largest pop-up market on the East Coast will be happening inside the Canadian International School. Pop by for more than 50 vendors selling clothing, accessories, home decor, toys, books, alcohol and even carpets. A live carpet auction takes place at 1:30pm, if that’s your jam.
Where: Canadian International School, 371 Tanjong Katong Road
Public Garden Christmas Market (Dec 9-10)
Public Garden returns with another craft-centered convention of local and international brands. Stuck for gift-shopping ideas? Clay cat jewelry from Russia, embroidered bags and accessories, or natural-made clothing from Vietnam should sort you out.
Where: Suntec Convention Hall 403
Flashbang (Dec 9-30)
From the same guys behind Artbox Singapore (Invade) comes Flashbang, an equally ambitious and OTT event guaranteed to draw an insane crowd. Taking over that open-air car park from 3-11pm daily on Grange Road will be over 120 retail and F&B stores, neon light art installations, party zones and live music.
Where: 96 Somerset Road
Christmas in Queenstown (Dec 15-17, 22-23)
Bringing cheer to the westerly heartlands for the second year running is the Church of the Good Shepherd. They’re setting up a Christmas weekend market filled with dazzling lights, choir and string performances, as well as festive stalls offering hot food, sweet treats and artisanal goods from local shops.
Where: Church of the Good Shepherd (2 Dundee Road)
Christmas Pop-up Market & Workshop (Dec 23)
Here’s one for the truly last-minute. Event curators W Market are holding their first-ever event the weekend before Christmas, where you can pick up gifts and crafts from vendors like ShopSHM and BottlesXO (alcohol always makes a good backup gift).
Where: Studio Three Sixteen, 219 Henderson Road
The Great Christmas Village (Through Dec 25)
It’s no Europe, but a first-ever Christmas Village set up at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza will ring the holidays to a sweaty close—with a duplex carousel, Santa house, and pop-up stores featuring 25 popular brands including Starbucks and Toast Box. A little further down Orchard Road, you’ll find duplex pop-ups by SK-II, Haagen Dazs, and Tiffany & Co., among others. Start shopping from 3pm; that’s when the Christmas lights go on.
Where: Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza
